SEATTLE STORM

The Storm missed the playoffs in 2023 after the departures of Sue Bird (retirement) and Breanna Stewart (free agency to New York), then rebounded to 25-15 in 2024 before a first-round playoff exit. Seattle slipped to 23-21 in 2025 and lost in the first round again as a 7-seed, prompting a January 2025 three-team blockbuster that sent franchise star Jewell Loyd to Las Vegas in exchange for the No. 2 overall draft pick. The additions of former MVP Nneka Ogwumike and All-Star Skylar Diggins-Smith in 2024 free agency kept the Storm competitive but couldn't prevent the decline, making Loyd cards and the departed Stewart's rookies the key collector storylines from this era.

Where they stand: The Storm sit at 6-27 in 2026 under new head coach Sonia Raman, who replaced Noelle Quinn after her contract was not renewed in September 2025. Seattle was officially eliminated from playoff contention in early August, becoming the first team knocked out of the 2026 postseason. Dominique Malonga has emerged as a bright spot, averaging 16.9 points and 8.7 rebounds in her breakout second season, while rookies Awa Fam and Flau'jae Johnson are developing.